Computer Specialist Job Requirements & Qualifications

Computer specialists work with computers and networks to conduct upgrades, repairs and maintenance to hardware, software, and peripheral equipment. The computer specialist might work within a company overseeing daily performance of employee computer systems and backups of company information systems. The work often calls for specialists to train other users and make recommendations for software upgrades and revisions. The job requirements and necessary qualifications can vary greatly depending on the position and the nature of the job.

Knowledge and Skills

Individuals who are interested in working as a computer support specialist should have strong problem-solving skills, a good communication technique and an analytical personality to successfully troubleshoot computer systems and provide adequate assistance to users. Computer specialists possess strong knowledge of computer systems and computer components such as circuit boards, processors, chips, electronics and various computer applications and programs. Most candidates for a computer specialist position also have strong knowledge in mathematics, basic engineering and technology. The skills and knowledge of certain engineering and technological principles are applied into designing computer equipment and software as well as organizing processes and procedures to maintain the computer systems.

Education

There are many different career paths in the field of computer specialists and as a result, there are also many different educational paths a potential computer specialist can take. Degree program requirements may vary widely according to the needs of an employer who is looking to hire a computer specialist. Although there may be some companies willing to hire an individual with the right computer skills regardless of the education background, most employers in the computer industry prefer candidates with at least a bachelor's degree. A bachelor's degree in computer science or information systems is a valuable asset to a candidate seeking work as a computer specialist. In addition, certain certifications in programming or network administration may also be required depending on the specific specialization.

Experience

Along with a basic knowledge of computers and the required skills and education that are needed for success as a computer specialist, many employers also require candidates with experience. Some organizations may prefer to hire an individual with a certain number of years in the field or a particular level of experience within a specific role. Candidates may start out working in entry level positions while completing the necessary educational requirements. With time and gained experience, an individual can transition to alternate roles that provide valuable work experience which will serve as an asset for successive positions in the future.

SKILLS CERTIFICATE EQUIVALENCY PROGRAM (SCEP)

Background The Skills Certificate Equivalency Program (SCEP) is collaborative partnership between TESDA and the Civil Service Commission, which aims to grant civil service eligibility to government skilled workers. It involves the issuance of TESDA Competency Certificates (NC or COC) to those who shall successfully demonstrate competence in specific qualifications. Such certificates shall be provided equivalent eligibility by the CSC. Coverage SCEP shall grant civil service eligibility to competent and skilled government employees and those seeking entrance into the service for Category I positions. Category I positions refers to positions in government with qualification standard (QS) requiring eligibility thru an appropriate TESDA-issued National Certificate (NC) or Certificate of Competency (COC). How to apply for eligibility? An individual may file his application for the conversion of the TESDA competency certificate to an appropriate CSC eligibility at the nearest CSC office in your place. What government positions are included in Category I and covered by the SCEP? One hundred twenty eight (128) government positions are covered by SCEP. The list of these positions including the appropriate TESDA competency assessment and CSC eligibility is attached as Annex 1.

How can an individual acquire the Data Encoder eligibility? CSC Memorandum Circular # 06, series 2010 and CSC Resolution # 100319 In February 24, 2010, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) has adopted MC No. 3, s. 2010 (Revised Schedule of Skills Tests and Civil Service Eligibilities under the Skills Certificate Equivalency Program (SCEP). Under the new Resolution, the Data Encoder eligibility shall continue to be the appropriate eligibility for the following IT positions in government: Computer Operator, Computer Operator I to IV, Data Encoder, Data Encoder I to IV, Senior Data Encoder, Data Encoder Controller, Senior Data Encoder Controller, Supervising Data Encoder Controller, Data Controller, Data Controller I to IV, Supervising Data Controller, Senior Computer Operator, Senior Computer Operator I to III, Data Entry Machine Operator I to IV, Accounting Machine Operator I to III and Auxiliary Machine Operator I to IV. Those who passed the PC Operations NC II competency assessment of TESDA, and whose National Certificates are still valid, may apply for the conversion of the said certificates to Data Encoder eligibility until December 2010. However, the TESDA would like to clarify that this provision is applicable ONLY to existing NC holders of PC Operations NC II whose validity has not yet expired. The PC Operations NC II has been delisted from the roster of promulgated national qualifications, hence, TESDA no longer offer assessment and certification for such qualification. How can an individual acquire a National Certificate (NC) or Certificate of Competency (COC)? An individual needs to undergo competency assessment for the identified qualification in any of the accredited assessment centers nationwide. Passers of the competency assessment shall be issued a NC or COC. A National Certificate (NC) is issued when a candidate has demonstrated competence in all units of competency that comprised a Qualification.

Certificate of Competency (COC) is issued to individuals who have satisfactorily demonstrated competence on a particular or cluster of units of competency

TESDA SKILLS TEST

CS Eligibility

POSITION/TITLE

Refrigeration Mechanic 1 and Airconditioning (Air(RAC) Conditioning/Refrigeration 2 Servicing NC I Technician) 3 RAC NC II) 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Appropriate Mechanic (Automotive 25 26 Mechanic Test: Servicing) 27 Automotive Mechanic (Air-Con 28 Servicing NC I Refrigeration Technician) 29 (NC II to IV) 30

Air-Conditioning Technician I Air-Conditioning Technician II Insulationman Auto/Train Mechanic A Auto/Train Mechanic B Auto/Train Mechanic C Senior Auto/Train Mechanic Senior Train Mechanic Transport Maintenance General Foreman Transport Maintenance Supervisor Automotive Mechanic Automotive Mechanic I Automotive Mechanic II Automotive Mechanic III Junior Auto Mechanic Senior Auto Mechanic Senior Automotive Mechanic Supervising Automotive Shop Mechanic Automotive Equipment Inspector I Automotive Equipment Inspector II Motor Vehicle Inspector Automotive Repair Foreman Automotive Repair General Foreman Senior Foreman Mechanic (-250 volts) Mechanic A (-250 volts) Mechanic B (-250 volts) Mechanic C (-250 volts) Mechanic I (-250 volts) Mechanic II (-250 volts)

Automotive Servicing NC I Mechanic (Automotive (Automotive Servicing) Servicing NC II to IV)

Refrigeration & AirConditioning Servicing I (NC II) Heavy Equipment Servicing (Mechanical) NC II

Mechanic (Heavy Equipment)

Air Duct Servicing NC II

Metal Worker

Automotive Electrical Component Servicing (COC) Automotive Servicing NC I

Automotive Electrician

31 Mechanic III (-250 volts) 32 Legislative Staff Assistant I (Mechanic III) (-250 volts) 33 Senior Mechanic (-250 volts) 34 Senior Mechanic A (-250 volts) 35 Senior Mechanic B (-250 volts) 36 Mechanical Shop Foreman (-250 volts/-50 hp) 37 Mechanical Shop General Foreman (-250 volts/-50 hp) 38 Plant Mechanical Maintenance Foreman (-250 volts/-50 hp) 39 Senior Plant Mechanic (250 volts/-50 volts) 40 Plant Mechanic A (-250 volts/-50 hp) 41 Plant Mechanic B (-250 volts/-50 hp) 42 Plant Mechanic C (-250 volts/-50 hp) 43 Metal Worker 44 Metal Worker I 45 Metal Worker II 46 Senior Metal Worker 47 Supervising Metal Worker 48 Metal Worker Foreman 49 Metal Worker General Foreman 50 Head Metal Worker 51 Automotive Electrician 52 Senior Automotive Electrician 53 Auto Electrical/Train Foreman 54 Senior Transport Electrician

(Automotive Servicing NC II to IV)

55 Transport Electrician

Building Wiring Installation NC II

Building Wiring Electrician

56 Building Electrician A (250 volts) 57 Building Electrician B (250 volts) 58 Building Office Electrical Foreman (-250 volts) 59 Senior Building Electrician A (-250 volts) 60 Senior Building Electrician B (-250 volts) 61 Electrician I (-250 volts) 62 Electrician II (-250 volts) 63 Electrician A (-250 volts) 64 Electrician B (-250 volts) 65 Electrician C (-250 volts) 66 Electrician Foreman (250 volts) 67 Electrician General Foreman (-250 volts) 68 Electrical Inspector I (250 volts) 69 Electrical Inspector II (250 volts) 70 Building Foreman (-250 volts) 71 Plant Electrician A (-250 volts) 72 Plant Electrician B (-250 volts) 73 Plant Electrician C (-250 volts) 74 Sr. Plant Electrician (250 volts) 75 Plant Electrical Foreman (-250 volts) 76 Plant Electrical/Mechanical Maintenance Foreman (250 volts/-50 hp) 77 Senior Electrician (-250

Heavy Equipment Operation NC II

Heavy Equipment Operator

(any relevant equipment)

Machining NC I Machinist Machining NC II & III

volts) 78 Foreign Service Staff Employee III (Electrician) (-250 volts) 79 Transmission Lineman A (-250 volts) 80 Transmission Lineman B (-250 volts) 81 Transmission Lineman C (-250 volts) 82 Senior Transmission Lineman (-250 volts) 83 Transmission Line Inspector (-250 volts) 84 Transmission Line Foreman (-250 volts) 85 Heavy Equipment Operator 86 Heavy Equipment Operator I 87 Heavy Equipment Operator II 88 Heavy Equipment Operator III 89 Dredgeman I 90 Dredgeman II 91 Dredgeman Foreman 92 Construction Equipment Operator 93 Floating Crane Master 94 Machinist 95 Machinist I 96 Machinist II 97 Machinist III 98 Machinist A 99 Machinist B 100 Senior Machinist 101 Supervising Machinist 102 Machine Shop Foreman 103 Machine Shop Foreman A 104 Machine Shop Foreman B

Plumbing NC II Pipefitter (Plumbing NC III) Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) NC I (SMAW NC II, III or IV)

Welder

105 Machine Shop General Foreman 106 Metals Technologist I 107 Metals Technologist II 108 Metals Technologist III 109 Metals Technologist IV 110 Metals Technologist V 111 Toolmaker I 112 Toolmaker II 113 Toolmaker Foreman 114 Toolmaker General Foreman 115 Pipefitter I 116 Pipefitter II 117 Pipefitter A 118 Pipefitter B 119 Pipefitter C 120 Pipefitter D 121 Pipefitter Foreman 122 Welder I 123 Welder II 124 Welder A 125 Welder B 126 Senior Welder 127 Welder Foreman

Explanatory Notes: In column 1, the first test identified is the basic test required for the position. The tests, identified in parenthesis is/are higher level tests. If an applicant presents a skills certificate based on a higher level test, he/she may be conferred the corresponding eligibility indicated in column 2. An applicant who possesses a civil service eligibility as a result of passing a TESDA skills test may be appointed to any of the positions within the cluster (column 3) or to functionally related positions provided the other requirements of the positions are met. For the position of mechanic, the agency may look for applicants with particular/specific skills test suited for the machine or equipment to be handled. The grant of civil service eligibility should be based on a valid (not expired) TESDA skills certificate.